Vehicle mounted three wheeled cycle carrier with tilt loading carrier platform

ABSTRACT

A vehicle mounted tricycle carrier with a tilting carrier platform that enables loading a tricycle to the carrier without lifting the tricycle from the ground. The carrier is further enhanced by a lifting boom accessory. The lifting boom may be attached to the tricycle carrier structure and a second platform added to the lift boom allowing two tricycles to be carried.

TECHNICAL FIELD

USPO Classification B60R9/10 Supplementary fittings on vehicles forcarrying loads and more specifically carriers for transporting cycles.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

Three wheeled adult cycles commonly referred to as a tricycle or trikesare becoming increasingly popular. These tricycles have two commondesign types the classic design being a single front steerable wheel anddrive train connected to the back two wheels referred to as a Deltadesign and the other style being two front steerable wheels and a singlerear wheel drive train referred to as a Tadpole design. These Tadpoletrikes provide improved stability and readily accommodate recumbentstyle seating resulting in improved ergonomics, and improved visibility.The general design of frame structure of a tadpole trike results insignificant increased load carrying capacity and therefore many of thesetrikes are purchased with accessories for cargo carry such as racks andpanniers and may incorporate electric assist motors that relieves theriders work load.

These ergonomic improvements, cargo carrying capacity and electricassist make these tricycles a popular alternative to the traditional twowheeled bicycle with riders who prefer long distance touring and carry asubstantial amount of cargo. They also appeal to recreational ridersthat prefer leisurely rides at slow pace and may not have thesubstantial strength and physical condition of a high performingathlete.

These benefits are not without consequence; the fundamental geometry ofa tricycle results in it occupying a substantially larger volume ofspace than a traditional two wheeled bicycle and adds additional weight.The addition of cargo carrying accessories loaded with amenities addweight and the addition of an electric assist is common adding even moreweight to the cycle from both the motor and power cell. It is notuncommon to find a fully loaded tricycle, less the rider weight, thatweighs in excess of 80 lbs. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 94-110 setsa maximum recommended lift weight of 51 lbs for a single adult under theideal conditions of the load being less than 7 inches away from the bodyand not lifted above the chest. In most industry persons lifting loadsabove a 50 lb weight are required to use assistive devices to preventinjury, or recruit a second person to help lift the object.

It is common for riders to use an automobile to transport their cycle todifferent locations for use and various carriers have been designedspecific to the purpose of tricycle transport; however these carrierspredominantly require the tricycle to be physically lifted onto thecarrier by a person. The large volume of space occupied by a tricyclemakes lifting awkward requiring a lifting position far from the idealper the NIOSH publication and any non ideal position reduces the maximumrecommended lift weight substantially below the 51 lb maximum. Anylifting of a three wheeled cycle should therefore be performed by twopersons, or with a lift assisting device. A solo rider transporting atricycle is at significant risk of serious injury when loading, orunloading a tricycle. Due to the extended reach when loading even whenlifted by two persons a substantial risk of injury may exist.

Examples may be found of carriers that support a tricycle from beneaththe wheels in a set of hoops, on a platform, or that provide a set oftracks that attach to vehicle receivers and hold a loaded tricycle offthe ground several inches to provide road clearance while beingtransported. An example of this design is the Hitch Rider Trike-N-Bike™represented by the simplified prior art shown in FIG. 1A.

At least one trike carrier has been designed to facilitate loading atrike by rolling the trike up a set of ramps. An example of this designis the Easy Load™ Easy Load Tray™ represented by the simplified priorart shown in FIG. 1B, however this design only provides two ramps andrequires the center wheel to be lifted. Failing to provide a center rampis a serious short coming. Often the center wheel of a tadpole styletrike is heavily loaded with carrier racks and panniers that may befilled with articles. Trikes often incorporate an electric drive motorand battery for assistive power adding additional weight to the centerwheel. The ramps of the Easy Load Tray carrier are separate attachmentsrequiring positioning and attachment for use, then detachment fortransport and consume additional space for stowage when not in use.

Many recreational riders prefer to ride with a companion. Most prior artracks do not have capacity for a second tricycle limiting transport to asingle trike thus limiting the possibility for a riding companion. Onesolution for carrying a second trike that is often utilized is a foldingversion of trike. These folding trikes provide a substantial reductionin the space volume of each trike and may allow stowage of two tricyclesin a single vehicle, or one in the vehicle and another on an externalcarrier device. An example of a folding tricycle is the Cat Trike 5.5.9™, represented by the simplified prior art shown in FIG. 1C. while thismay allow for a second cycle to be transported inside the vehicle itfails to address the weight lifting risks and has a negative consequenceof the time and effort required to unload and break down the cycle intoits folded state for each transport and then reconstruct the cycle andload it for each use.

A few prior art carriers provide for transport of two trike; however onetype orients the tricycles in a vertical orientation with the steerablewheels raised upward an example of this type of carrier is the AlpacaCarriers, inc model 1500 2Tadpole2 ™ represented by the simplified priorart shown in FIG. 1D, or another configuration places the tricycles oneabove the other in a horizontal orientation, an example of this typecarrier is the Hitch Rider Double Decker Model™ represented by thesimplified prior art shown in FIG. 1E, both of these double trikecarrier designs fail to provide mechanisms to assist in getting thetricycle loaded requiring a person to lift the full weight of a trike asignificant height and requiring substantial extension of reach inergonomically poor body positions at a great risk of injury.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

This disclosure is for a tricycle carrier configured to connect to avehicle hitch receiver. The carrier provides a tilting platform thatrotates to contact the ground due to a center of gravity offset from apivot axis creating an inclined ramp. The tricycle is rolled up theinclined platform to a point that the tricycle center of gravityovercomes the platform center of gravity causing the platform to rotateto a level to the ground orientation. This enables a single person toquickly load a tricycle without lifting the tricycle, substantiallyreducing risk of injury to the person.

An optional accessory lift mechanism with an additional platformconnected may be attached to the carrier allowing a tricycle to beloaded by a single person onto the additional platform without liftingthe tricycle and then the tricycle raised to a position above the firstplatform allowing a tricycle to be loaded onto the lower platform.

While this disclosure demonstrates use of the carrier for a tricycle ofa tadpole design with two steerable wheel forward and a single drivewheel in the rear any embodiment readily accommodates any three wheeledcycle, including but not limited to a traditional design tricycle with asingle steerable wheel forward and two rear wheels, or a hand pedaltricycle commonly ridden by persons with limited use of their legs.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1A shows a simplified conceptual prior art fixed platform singletricycle carrier with a tricycle loaded.

FIG. 1B shows a simplified conceptual prior art fixed platform singletricycle carrier with ramps and a tricycle loaded.

FIG. 1C shows a simplified conceptual prior art folding tricycle asmight be loaded into a vehicle.

FIG. 1D shows a simplified conceptual prior art double tricycle carrierwith two tricycles hanging in a vertical orientation.

FIG. 1E shows a simplified conceptual prior art double tricycle carrierwith two tricycles oriented one above the other.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a Single TricycleCarrier Assembly in a transport position identifying a Tongue MemberSubassembly, a Carrier Beam Subassembly and a Platform Subassembly.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the Single Tricycle Carrier in aloading position and identifies detail components for the Tongue MemberSubassembly, Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly and Platform Subassembly.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the Platform Carrier Beam Subassemblyindicting hole locations for connection to the Tongue MemberSubassembly.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the Single Tricycle Carrier in a stowedposition and identifies detail components for connection between theTongue Member Subassembly and the Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the Tongue Member Subassemblyindicating hole locations for connection between the Platform CarrierBeam Subassembly and the Tongue Member Subassembly.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a Double TricycleCarrier Assembly in a loading position identifying a Lift Subassembly,two Platform Subassemblies and two Platform Carrier Beam Subassemblies.

FIG. 6A is an orthographic face view of the Double Tricycle CarrierAssembly in the loading position and identifies detail components of theLifting Subassembly.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a Platform Attachment Fitting Assemblyidentifying detail components and indicating the Platform Carrier BeamSubassembly connection hole locations.

FIG. 7 is an orthographic face view of the Double Tricycle CarrierAssembly with the upper Platform Assembly raised.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the Double Tricycle Carrier in a stowedstate.

EMBODIMENT 1

Embodiment 1 is one possible aspect of a tricycle carrier with a tiltingbed to facilitate loading, and optional lift accessory to enable loadingand carrying two tricycles at the same time. This embodiment providesspecific detail of all essential features and functionalities of theconcept for the purposes of disclosure of operating principles andstructural concepts. It will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat various changes in form, detail and materials may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. This disclosureis not intended to limit the concept to a specific embodiment and theembodiment should not be interpreted as more or less significant asother possible embodiments.

Detail Description of Embodiment 1

FIG. 2

FIG. 2 is an assembly level drawing showing Single Tricycle CarrierAssembly 100 in a deployed for transport state. The majority of detailedcomponents are omitted to aid in clarity. The omitted components areshown in following FIGS. and described in detail in the associatedsections of this specification.

FIG. 2 further shows Tongue Member Subassembly 200 having a distal endportion and proximal end portion the proximal end portion beingconfigured for connecting to a vehicle hitch receiver, Platform CarrierBeam subassembly 300 having a distal end and proximal end the proximalend being pivotably connected to the distal end of Tongue Membersubassembly 200. Platform subassembly 400 is pivotably connected toPlatform Carrier Beam Subassembly 300. Platform Subassembly 400 has arotational axis perpendicular the sides of the Platform, parallel thebottom of the Platform, aligned with the length of Tongue MemberSubassembly 200 and located offset to Platform 400 center of gravity(indicated by the letter A). The offset of rotational axis of theplatform from the platform center of gravity causes rotation in aclockwise direction of an empty platform when viewed from the distal endof the Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly.

Platform 400 length extends past the rotational axis on the sideopposite to the platform center of gravity a minimum of a distancesufficient to position the center of gravity of a loaded tricycle abovea lever arm sufficient for generating a counter rotational force greaterthan the empty platform rotational force.

Platform Subassembly 400 is secured in a transport position by SecuringPin 302 inserted through coordinating holes in Platform Carrier BeamSubassembly 300 and Platform Subassembly 400.

FIG. 3A

FIG. 3A shows detail components for Single Tricycle Carrier Assembly100. Tongue Beam 202 is shown having a long axis of predetermined lengthwith a distal end portion and proximal end portion the proximal endportion being of a square cross sectional geometry having a top edge, abottom edge, and two side edges with the proximal end portion beingconfigured for attachment to a vehicle hitch receiver. Two elements ofSupport Member 204 are shown of rectangular shape of predeterminedlength and width symmetrically attached to opposing outside surfaces ofthe distal portion of Tongue Beam 202 located with one long edge inalignment with the lower edge of Tongue Beam 202 and one short edgeextended a predetermined distance past the distal end of Tongue beam202.

Three identical Track 402 elements are shown being of a predeterminedlength having a cross section of two symmetrical sides of predeterminedheight perpendicular to and separated by a bottom of predeterminedwidth. A series of equally spaced holes D are shown on each Track 402along each side of each Track. Holes D start a predetermined distancefrom both end of the tracks progressing towards the track center. Twoholes B pass through the bottom surface of track 402 near both ends ofthe track oriented along a line perpendicular the track length. Theholes being separated by a predetermined distance identified throughoutthis disclosure as ‘SD402’.

Two elements of Strut 404 of predetermined cross section and length areshown with a series of holes C separated by distance ‘SD402’ along thefull length of the strut.

The track 402 elements are adjustably connected to strut 404 elementswith common threaded fasteners secured through aligned holes B and Cwith all track bottoms in a common plane; all track sides parallel andat least one end of all tracks in alignment.

Note: The described mechanism used to connect tracks 402 and struts 404through aligned holes B and C for adjustably connecting the tracks andstruts is one possible design provided for the purpose of thisdisclosure and not intended to limit the design to a specific mechanism.

Three Pivot block 406 elements are shown of predetermined length, widthand height with a bore of a diameter determined by Carrier Beam 304 withcylindrical axis perpendicular to and located on the center of thesurface defined by the length and height.

One pivot block 406 element is attached to the bottom surface of eachtrack 402 with the bore cylindrical axis perpendicular to the tracksides, parallel the track bottom and located offset of PlatformSubassembly 400 Center of Gravity Point A (shown in FIG. 2 ).

Deployment pin 314 is shown passing through Support Member 204 and ahole in the proximal end of the Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly 300.

Hole G1 of a diameter determined by Securing pin 302 is shown in thesides of each track located by a radial distance referred to throughoutthis disclosure as ‘RDPin302’ originating at the center point of thebore in Pivot Block 406 and the intersection of a line parallel track402 bottom at half the height of the track sides. Hole G1 being locatedin a direction towards the center of gravity A.

Collar 308 is shown on Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly 300 andadjacent one Pivot Block 306 securing Platform Subassembly 400 frommovement along the beam assembly cylindrical axis.

Straps 408 being made of an elastic material of predetermined length areshown on a common end of both outer track 402, and one strap on theopposite end of the center track 402, the straps being adjustablyconnected to the respective track at one selected hole D and securedacross the tracks to an aligned hole D on the opposite track side.

FIG. 3B

FIG. 3B shows Carrier Beam Subassembly 300, carrier beam component 304having a circular cross section of a predetermined diameter, apredetermined length and a proximal and distal end, the proximal endbeing configured for attachment to the distal end of Tongue MemberSubassembly 200.

Carrier Beam 304 is shown having line bore E of a predetermined diameterwith cylindrical axis perpendicular to and intersecting the cylindricalaxis of Carrier Beam 304 at a predetermined distance from the proximalend of the Carrier Beam.

Bore F is of a diameter determined by Deployment Pin 314 with acylindrical axis parallel the cylindrical axis of Bore E intersectingthe Carrier Beam cylindrical axis in the proximal direction from Bore Eat radial distance ‘RDPin314’ originating from the center of Bore E.

Latch Plate 306 is shown being of rectangular geometry of predeterminedlength and width having a semi circular cut out with radius of one halfof Carrier Beam 304 diameter centered at a point defined by one shortedge and offset along the short edge from the midpoint of the short edgea predetermined distance. Latch Plate 306 is shown attached to CarrierBeam 304 with the semi circular cutout in perpendicular alignment to andcentered on the cylindrical axis of Carrier Beam 304 at a predetermineddistance from the distal end of the carrier beam, the Latch Plate longedges being parallel the cylindrical axis of bore F, the latch plateextending to the right and the semi circular cut out center being offsetdownward when viewed from the distal end of Carrier Beam 304.

Hole G2 shown on the face of Latch Plate 306 is of a diameter determinedby Securing Pin 302 (shown in FIG. 2 ) and located on radius ‘RDpin302’originating from the center of the semicircular cutout of Latch Plate306 and intersecting a line running parallel the latch Plate top at halfthe height of track 402 from the latch plate top.

FIG. 4A

FIG. 4A shows Single Tricycle Carrier Assembly 100 in a stowed position.Carrier Beam Pivot Shaft 310 and Carried Beam Thrust Washer 312 areshown connecting Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly 300 to Tongue MemberSubassembly 200. Deployment Pin 314 and Deployment Thrust washer 316 areshown securing Single Tricycle Carrier Assembly 100 in the stowedposition.

FIG. 4B

FIG. 4B shows Tongue Member Subassembly 200 with Platform Carrier PivotBore H of a diameter determined by the diameter of Carrier Beam PivotShaft 310 located in Support Member 204 at a predetermined height fromTongue Beam 202 top surface and a predetermined distance from TongueBeam 202 Distal End. Bore I1 and Bore I2 of a diameter determined byDeployment pin 314 are located by radial distance ‘RDpin314’ originatingfrom the center of Bore H and Bore I1 being located at the 3:00 positionand I2 located at the 6:00 position.

FIG. 5

FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of a Double Tricycle Carrier Assembly 500 ina loading position. A phantom ground reference line is shown to aid inunderstanding. Two Platform Subassembly 400 are shown released from arespective Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly 300 and rotated to makecontact with the ground. Lift Assembly 550 is positioned a predetermineddistance from the distal end of Tongue Member Subassembly 200.

FIG. 6A

FIG. 6A is an orthographic face view of the Double Tricycle CarrierAssembly 500 in a ready for loading position. Lift Assembly 550 is shownhaving the following components: Mast 502 of a predetermined length andsquare cross section with one end attached to Tongue Beam 202 withlength in an upright orientation, Boom 504 of a predetermined length andsquare cross section pivotally connected on one end to the top of Mast502 by Boom Pivot Shaft 506. Boom 504 has a pivotal axis parallel to thelong axis of Tongue Member Subassembly 200.

Platform Attachment Fitting Assembly 600 (shown in FIG. 6B) is pivotallyconnected to the free end of boom 504 by Fitting Pivot Shaft 606 with apivotal axis passing through the center line of Back Plate 602perpendicular to the back plate face and parallel the pivotal axis ofboom 504. The Platform Attachment Fitting Assembly is secured to Boom504 by placing Fitting Thrust Washer 608 over the end of Fitting PivotShaft 606 and threading Fitting Nut 610 onto the Fitting Pivot Shaft.

Linkage 508 of predetermined cross section, a predetermined length andpredetermined geometry is connected between Mast 502 and Back Plate 602causing Platform Attachment Fitting Assembly 600 to rotate concurrentwith, proportional to and counter to the rotation of boom 504 andconstraining rotation of attachment fitting assembly 600 relative torotation of Boom 504 to a predetermined angular displacement.

Jack Beam 510 is of a common channel cross section of a predeterminedlength and attached with the sides of the channel facing away from Boom504 and the Jack Beam end overlapping the end of Boom 504 by apredetermined distance.

Jack Screw 512 and Hand Crank 514 are of design readily recognizable bya person skilled in the art. Jack Screw 512 is shown with the gear driveend connected to Jack Pivot Plates 516. Jack Pivot Plates 516 areattached at a predetermined height along Mast 502 and the jack screwthreaded shaft is connected to the free end of jack Beam 510. Jack Screw512 being sized to provide a force greater than the sum of forces causedby a typical tricycle, typical provisions, the weight of all additionalmechanisms and all components expected to be suspended from the free endof boom 504 multiplied by the mechanical leverage of boom 504. JackScrew 512 travel is of a length sufficient to cause boom 504 to rotatebetween a predominantly downward orientation and a fully uprightorientation relative to Mast 502. Hand Crank 514 is shown removablyconnected to Jack Screw 512.

Note: The described mechanism of Lift Assembly 550 described above andshown in FIG. 6A is one possible embodiment of a lift mechanism providedfor the purpose of demonstrating the fundamental concept and operationsof one possible lifting attachment design for the purpose of disclosureand not intended to limit the lift attachment design to a specificmechanism.

FIG. 6B

FIG. 6B shows Platform Attachment Fitting Assembly 600 and indicateslocation of holes for connection of Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly300 and Linkage 510. Back Plate 602 is shown of predetermined diameterwith Fitting Pivot Shaft 606 passing through center. Two Flanges 604 areshown attached perpendicular to Back Plate 602 symmetrically positionedat equal distances from the center point of the back plate andconfigured for connection of the proximal end of carrier beam subassembly 300. Back Plate 602 is shown with linkage attachment hole J inthe Back Plate face located by a predetermined radius originating fromthe center of the back plate face in an approximately 5:00 positionrelative to flanges 604 when viewed from the Flange 604 face side. BoreK is of a predetermined diameter passing through both flange 604component, perpendicular to the flange faces, offset downward towardsthe 6:00 direction a predetermined distance from base plate 602centerline and at a predetermined distance from the face of base plate602.

Two line bore holes L1 and L2 of a diameter determined by Deployment Pin314 pass through flanges 604, both holes are positioned on the flangefaces by radial distance ‘RDpin314’ originating at the cylindrical axisof bore hole K, hole L1 positioned on a line perpendicular to the backplate at a 3:00 position, hole L2 located in a 12:00 position.

FIG. 7

FIG. 7 is an orthographic face view showing Double Tricycle CarrierAssembly 500 with Hand Crank 514 removably connected to Jack Screw 512of Lift Assembly 550. The Double Tricycle Carrier Assembly is in aposition with the upper platform fully raised and the lower platform ina loading position.

FIG. 8

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing Double Tricycle Carrier Assembly500 with both platforms stowed.

Operational Concept

Single Trike Carrier Assembly 100

When configured as shown in FIG. 2 Tricycle Carrier Assembly 100 enablesone person to quickly load a fully loaded tricycle for transport withoutlifting the tricycle off the ground by deploying Platform Subassembly400 by removing Deployment Pin 314 from hole I2 of the Support Membersof Tongue Member Subassembly 200, rotating Platform Carrier BeamSubassembly 300 to a horizontal orientation, and securing it in thehorizontal plane by insertion of Deployment Pin 314 into hole I1 inSupport Members 204 and through Carrier Beam 302 Bore F. Separations oftracks 402 are adjusted to match a selected tricycle wheel base alongstrut member 404 by selection of appropriate coordinating holes B and C.Securing pin 302 is removed releasing Platform Subassembly 400 fromPlatform Carrier Beam Subassembly 300 allowing forces acting on theplatform center of gravity to rotate the track ends to contact theground. A tricycle is rolled onto the platform until the forces actingon the tricycle center of gravity cause the track ends to raise.Platform Subassembly 400 is secured to Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly300 by inserting Securing pin 302 through holes G1 and G2. The loadedtricycle is secured to the platform by attaching straps 408 at aselected hole D in proximity of each wheel lower quadrant, passing thestraps through the spokes and connecting the straps to the opposite sideof the tracks at the corresponding hole D.

Double Trike Carrier Assembly 500

When configured as shown in FIG. 5 Double Tricycle Carrier Assembly 500enables one person to load two fully loaded tricycle for transport bydeploying the first (lower) platform 400 as described above for SingleTricycle Carrier 100, removing Deployment Pin 314 from PlatformAttachment Fitting assembly 600 flanges and rotating the second (upper)Platform Subassembly 400 to a horizontal plane and inserting DeploymentPin 314 into flange hole L1 and through Carrier Beam 302 bore F securingthe Platform in the deployed position.

Securing pin 302 is removed from the lower Carrier Beam 300 subassemblyLatch Plate 306 releasing the lower Platform allowing the track ends torotate and contact the ground.

Hand Crank 514 is then connected to Jack Screw 512, turning Hand Crank514 activating Jack Screw 512 in a manner that lowers Boom 504 toproximity of the ground. The upper platform is released by removingSecuring Pin 302 allowing the track ends to contact the ground. Atricycle is rolled onto the upper platform causing the track ends toraise. Pin 302 is inserted through latch plate hole G2 and through holeG1 of the adjacent track securing Platform Subassembly 400 to CarrierBeam sub assembly 300. The tricycle is secured to the platform withStraps 408 being located in proximity of the lower quadrant of eachwheel as described for the single tricycle carrier assembly. Hand Crank514 is turned activating jack screw 512 in a manner that raises theplatform to its maximum height. The lower platform may then be loadedwith a second trike as described in the single tricycle carrier assemblyoperations.

LISTING OF COMPONENTS: Component number Component Name 100 SingleTricycle Carrier Assembly 200 Tongue Member Subassembly 202 Tongue Beam204 Support Member 300 Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly 302 SecuringPin 304 Carrier Beam 306 Latch Plate 308 Collar 310 Carrier Beam PivotShaft 312 Carrier Beam Thrust Washer 314 Deployment Pin 316 DeploymentThrust Washer 400 Platform Subassembly 402 Track 404 Strut 406 PivotBlock 408 Strap 500 Double Tricycle Carrier Assembly 502 Mast 504 Boom506 Boom Pivot Shaft 508 Linkage 510 Jack Beam 512 Jack Screw 514 HandCrank 516 Jack Pivot Plate 550 Lift Assembly 600 Platform AttachmentFitting Assembly 602 Back Plate 604 Flange 606 Fitting Pivot Shaft 608Fitting Thrust Washer 610 Fitting Nut

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE

Embodiment 1 or an alternative embodiment provide advantages of

-   -   a. Reduced risk of injury from lifting a trike and any artifacts        and accessories loaded onto the trike.    -   b. Ability to carry two trikes at the same time.    -   c. Easy loading by one person of one or two trikes.    -   d. Conservation of rider's time by not requiring unloading of        artifacts from the trike and folding the trike for the purposes        of transport then unfolding the trike and loading of artifacts        onto the trike for the purpose of riding.

The following alternative embodiments may readily be envisioned withoutthe aid of drawings and are of substantially the same mechanicalconcept, same functionality and same principles of operation asembodiment 1.

-   -   Various Embodiments may be designed with changes to structural        geometries and materials achieving substantially the same        operational principles and concepts.    -   Various Embodiments may be designed with a variety of different        means for securing a tricycle to the platform including but not        limited to mechanical clamps, or straps attached to the carrier        in any location enabling a constraining force to be applied to a        point of contact on a loaded tricycle.    -   Various Embodiments may be designed using different means for        generating a lifting force these may be manually, or power        activated, and includes but is not limited to hydraulic rams,        pneumatic cylinders, springs and levers.    -   Various Embodiments may be designed using different mechanisms        other than a boom for raising, or lowering the upper platform;        including but not limited to cables, tracks, telescoping masts        and movable beams.

Although the present disclosure has been provided with reference to theforegoing operational principles and embodiments, it will be apparent tothose skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thepresent disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variances. Where the disclosure recites “a”, “afirst”, or another element, or the equivalent thereof, it should beinterpreted to include one or more of such elements. Furthermore, anyaspect shown or described with reference to a particular embodimentshould be interpreted to be compatible with any other embodiment,alternative, or variance.

I claim:
 1. A vehicle mounted tricycle carrier comprising: a) a tonguemember having a long axis of predetermined length with a distal endportion and proximal end portion, said proximal end portion beingconfigured for attachment to a vehicle hitch receiver; b) a carrier beammember having a predetermined cross section and a long axis ofpredetermined length with a distal end portion and proximal end portion,the proximal end portion being pivotally connected to the distal endportion of said tongue member, wherein the carrier beam member beingable to pivot upward relative to a lower edge of the proximal endportion of the tongue member between an orientation generally parallelthe long axis of the tongue member and generally perpendicular to thelong axis of the tongue member; c) a carrier platform comprising aplurality of tracks of a predetermined length and cross section, and aplurality of strut members of a predetermined cross section and length,wherein the strut members being connected to the tracks in a positionwith all track bottom surfaces lying in a common plane, all track sidesin parallel, and said tracks adjustably separated along said struts; d)means for pivotally connecting said carrier platform to said carrierbeam member along a rotational axis aligned to the long axis of thecarrier beam member, the rotational axis oriented perpendicular to thetrack sides, parallel the track bottom surfaces and offset to a platformcenter of gravity a predetermined distance, said carrier platformextending past the rotational axis on a side opposite to the platformcenter of gravity a predetermined distance that positions a center ofgravity of a tricycle past the rotational axis wherein generating acounter rotational force greater than an empty carrier platformrotational force, whereby track ends of the empty carrier platform areconfigured to rotate downward under the force of gravity, rotationstopping when the track ends contact ground in an inclined orientation,enabling the tricycle to be rolled along the tracks when inclined to adistance past the rotational axis, whereby the rotational force actingon the platform due to the center of gravity of the tricycle exceeds therotational force due to the center of gravity of the platform beingoffset causing the track ends of the platform to rotate upward; e) meansfor securing said carrier platform to the carrier beam member, whereinpreventing rotation between the carrier platform and the carrier beammember with said platform secured in an orientation with the length ofthe tracks generally parallel a pivotal axis of the proximal end portionof the carrier beam member; f) means for securing said carrier beammember in a generally parallel alignment to the long axis of said tonguemember, or alternatively in a generally perpendicular orientation to thelong axis of said tongue member, whereby the carrier platform isconfigured to be stowed in a reduced area relative to the ground by anupward rotation of said carrier beam member and securing the carrierbeam member in an upright position, or alternatively the platform isconfigured to be deployed for use by securing the carrier beam member ina parallel orientation to the long axis of the length of the tonguemember; g) means for securing the tricycle to the carrier platform. 2.The tricycle carrier of claim 1, wherein the tongue member having a beamof predetermined length with the proximal end portion and distal endportion, a cross section of square geometry with a bottom, a top and twosides, a plurality of side support members of rectangular shape ofpredetermined length, width and gage, said side support members beingsymmetrically attached to opposing outside surfaces of the distal endportion of the beam, the side support members being located with onelong edge in alignment with a lower edge of said beam and one short edgeextending a predetermined distance past the distal end portion of thebeam, a bore of predetermined diameter with a cylindrical axisperpendicular to the side support members passing through both sidesupport members located a predetermined height from the lower edge ofsaid beam predetermined distance from the distal end of said beam. 3.The tricycle carrier of claim 1, wherein the carrier beam member havinga carrier beam of circular cross section of a predetermined diameter anda bore of a predetermined diameter with cylindrical axis perpendicularto and intersecting a cylindrical axis of the carrier beam at apredetermined distance from the proximal end portion of the carrierbeam, a latch plate of prizmatic geometry of predetermined length andwidth, the latch plate being attached to the carrier beam member in aplane perpendicular to the cylindrical axis of the carrier beam, locatedby a point on the latch plate defined by one short edge and offset alongthe short edge from a midpoint of the short edge a predetermineddistance, the point being in alignment with and centered on thecylindrical axis of the carrier beam at a predetermined distance fromthe distal end portion of the carrier beam, long edges of the latchplate being parallel the cylindrical axis of the bore of the proximalend portion of the carrier beam and extending to a left when viewed fromthe distal end portion of the beam.
 4. The tricycle carrier of claim 1,wherein the carrier platform having a plurality of pivot blocks ofpredetermined length, width and height, each with a cylindrical bore ofa diameter determined by the diameter of said carrier beam memberaligned perpendicular to and centered one a surface defined by thelength and height of the pivot block, said pivot blocks being attachedto the bottom surface of each respective track with an axis of the borein alignment with the pivot axis of the carrier platform, whereby thecarrier platform is configured to be pivotally connected to the carrierbeam member by insertion of the proximal end portion of the carrier beammember through each bore from a platform side with the pivot axis of thecarrier platform to a left of the center of gravity of the carrierplatform, insertion stopping when a latch plate contacts a first one ofthe pivot blocks.
 5. The tricycle carrier of claim 1, further comprisinga collar member of cylindrical geometry of a predetermined length,predetermined outside diameter and an inside diameter determined by adiameter of said carrier beam member, wherein said carrier platform isconfigured to be secured from movement along a cylindrical axis of thecarrier beam member by sliding the collar over the proximal end portionof the beam member, stopping when the collar contacts a surface of apivot block opposite a latch plate and said collar then being secured tothe beam member.
 6. The tricycle carrier of claim 1, further comprisinga pivot shaft of the carrier beam member with a diameter determined by abore diameter of the proximal end portion of the carrier beam member andof a predetermined length, a plurality of beam pivot thrust washers andmeans to secure the thrust washers onto the pivot shaft wherein saidcarrier beam member is configured to be pivotally connected to saidtongue member by positioning the proximal end portion of the carrierbeam member between support members of the tongue member with acylindrical axis of the bore in the proximal end portion of the carrierbeam member in alignment with a cylindrical axis of a bore in thesupport members, a latch plate projecting to a right when viewed fromthe distal end portion of the tongue member and inserting the pivotshaft through the aligned bores, sliding at least one of the thrustwashers over an end of the pivot shaft and securing the thrust washersonto the end of the pivot shaft.
 7. The carrier platform of claim 1,further comprising a plurality of straps of an elastic material andmeans to secure said straps to one side of the tracks, wherein one ofsaid plurality of said straps is configured to be adjustably attached inproximity to a lower quadrant of each wheel of the tricycle, passedthrough spokes of each wheel and connected under tension to an oppositeside of the track, whereby securing the tricycle to the platform.